Psyllium

Psyllium comes from a plant seed husk. It is the main ingedient in Metamucil and is often used as a laxative. Like guar gum, it is a soluble fiber that absorbs water in the gut, which is supposed to make you feel more full and eat less. The name of the plant is Plantago psyllium.

It helps improve blood sugar and cholesterol numbers in overweight people with diabetes. However, it does not help people lose weight.

Some side effects include: diarrhea, stomach cramps, constipation, bowel obstruction and allergy symptoms that can be as serious as anaphylaxis if inhaled.

It is important you discuss any weight loss or exercise plan with your doctor. Only you and your physician can decide what is best for you. Some people have certain conditions that prevent them from doing all exercises, and goal body weights may be different for different people. You need to discuss all these things with your physician before starting any weight loss or exercise program.